Everyone needs a good night’s sleep in order to wake feeling rested and ready to face whatever the day brings at you. Unfortunately for those patients struggling with sleep apnea, a good night’s rest is hard to come by. Even if patients remain in bed and think they’re sleeping for eight or more hours each night, sleep apnea causes them to repeatedly awaken, which leads to a decrease in the quality of sleep. Without restful, restorative sleep, even the smallest daily task can be a struggle. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, experiencing warning signs of this disorder, or not receiving the necessary relief from CPAP therapy, it may be time to call Sage Dental Care to learn more about our North and South Reno sleep apnea therapy options. During your sleep apnea treatment consultation, we’ll review all of your options and help you find a solution that meets your needs.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting millions of adults in the US. It occurs when patients cease breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep. While most people experience some apnea events during the night, patients suffering from this disorder can have 100s or 1000s of apnea events during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive. Central occurs because the brain fails to trigger patients to breathe in and out during sleep. This form of the disorder is treated by medical doctors, neurologists, and sometimes even surgeons. Obstructive sleep apnea is much more common, and the treatments for this disorder are less invasive. We offer custom oral appliance therapy and combined CPAP and oral appliance therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
To learn whether or not you have sleep apnea, you’ll need to complete a sleep study. However, you should let our team or a trusted sleep specialist know right away if you notice any of the following warning signs of this sleep disorder:
Our team of skilled dentists have advanced training specializing in the way oral and facial structures interact. That includes the proper function of the airway, making them the ideal medical professionals to offer therapies that improve airway function for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Traditionally, patients with sleep apnea received treatment through continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This therapy requires patients to wear a facial mask that forces air into the mouth and nose, allowing patients to sleep and breathe deeply. Unfortunately, many patients find themselves unable to adjust to CPAP treatment. For this reason, oral appliance therapy is a better option for many patients. These comfortable, custom crafted oral appliances shift the jaw forward, placing pressure on the throat muscles and keeping the airway open through the night. Portable and easy to use, these effective sleep apnea therapies offer patients a good night’s rest without face masks, wires, and discomfort.
Has it been too long since the last time you had a good night’s sleep? With a high-quality oral appliance, we can help reduce your sleep apnea symptoms so that you can once again enjoy truly restful nights. Before you commit to the treatment, though, it’s worth taking the time to learn more about sleep apnea and how it can be dealt with. Check the FAQs below to see how we’ve responded to a number of common sleep apnea questions, and feel free to contact us if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Snoring is closely linked to sleep apnea; as such, being told that you snore loudly can warrant a visit to a sleep expert, especially if you have noticed other concerning symptoms such as feeling excessively tired during the day. However, the fact of the matter is that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. On top of that, there are people with sleep apnea who don’t snore much. In short, even if you do snore, you will need to have a sleep test performed to confirm that you’re suffering from a sleep disorder.
Many people don’t realize that men and women tend to have different sleep apnea symptoms. Men are more likely to experience snoring as well as daytime fatigue. Meanwhile, women with sleep apnea might suffer from insomnia, and they may also have symptoms of anxiety and depression. Being aware of the type of sleep apnea symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for is key for ensuring that you’re able to act quickly to have your disorder properly diagnosed and treated.
Excess weight can increase the chances of the airway being blocked due to fat deposits in the neck. For this reason, people who are overweight tend to have a higher chance of suffering from sleep apnea. In some cases, losing weight can help reduce the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms. However, this isn’t always enough to put a stop to the problem for good; it’s best to get in touch with an expert to see what they recommend in terms of treating your sleep disorder.
If you grind your teeth while you’re asleep, wearing an oral appliance for sleep apnea can benefit you in more ways than one. The appliance can act as a simple yet effective barrier between your upper and lower rows of teeth, preventing further damage from any nighttime grinding and clenching that might occur. It’s worth noting that oftentimes bruxism and sleep apnea are related; oral appliance therapy gives you an effective way to address both issues.
